Seizure of smuggled tobacco welcomed
Retail Ireland, the IBEC group that represents the retail sector, today welcomed the seizure of two million smuggled cigarettes at Rosslare Harbour yesterday.
"The customs service are to be congratulated on their success at Rosslare, which will save the taxpayer roughly €0.5m," Retail Ireland Director Torlach Denihan said.
"Tobacco smuggling costs the state over €500m in lost tax revenue every year. This money could for instance be used to pay for 1300 hospital beds.
"It is disappointing that the courts do not take a more serious view of tobacco smuggling and tend to impose fairly small fines. Data published last Friday shows that courts have not used new powers they were given in the last Finance Act to impose heavier fines.
"In view of the current crisis in the public finances and the consequent tax increases and cutbacks facing the public, those convicted of tobacco smuggling should face the maximum fine permitted by law in all cases and, evidence permitting, jailed as well." concluded Mr Denihan.
